This story takes place when Gary was just eight years old, and having his first crush. Awwwww, how sweet. Anyway, after watching "Two to Tangle," the story just came to me. And big thanks to Dollene for beta reading.
 
 Disclaimers: I don't own any of the characters. Well, I own the ones I made up, but since the stepbrothers are loosely based on my own brothers, the stepbrothers belong to them. But Liz is mine, all MINE! Okay, any other characters belong to CBS and Sony TriStar.

 Spoilers: "Two to Tangle," way at the end of the story.
 
 Rating: G
 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

If This Is Love
by Mary Hobson
 

  Chapter 1

  Gary felt hot and sweaty in his catcher's equipment, but he was loving every moment of it. The sun beat down on the back of his neck, but he didn't care. Nothing mattered, as long as he had the game.
 
  "C'mon, Gar," Bernie called to him. "Let's go inside. I'm melting here."
 
  "Just toss a few more. I need to practice for the season."
 
  "Always just a few more," Bernie muttered to himself, tossing the baseball back to his eight-year old son. How so much energy could come from a kid to lazy to do the dishes was beyond him.
 
  It was a scorching hot day in Hickory, Indiana, and  father and son were tossing a baseball around. Gary was decked out in catcher's gear, with Bernie pitching to him.
 
  "We have new neighbors," Bernie commented, gesturing to the moving van in the driveway next door to them. Gary tossed him the ball. Bernie was impressed by the force behind it. He had a great arm. The moving van didn't really hold Gary's attention. There were still no boys his age moving in. Everyone on his block was either too young, too old, or a girl. He yearned for a brother or sister. Not just to divert the  attention he always got from his parents to someone else, but to not have to walk three blocks to his best friend Tommy's house to play catch. He either did that, or played with his father. He chose the latter because his bike tires were flat, and he was too lazy to walk.
 
  "The new neighbors are coming for dinner," Lois, his mother called out the door. Gary rolled his eyes.
 
  "That was quick," he muttered. His mother was like the Hickory Town Welcome Wagon. He groaned inwardly. He'd have to mind his manner during dinner, and sit around while adults talked about uninteresting things. He'd also probably end up wearing something itchy and irritating.
 
  "This means no peas shot out of your nose, and no burping the 'Star Spangled Banner,' Bernie said.
 
  Great. Another boring night. No adults wanted to talk about baseball or football. Who cared what the weather was like anyway? That was all adults talked about. Wanna know the weather? Look outside, was Gary's philosophy.
 
  "They have a girl your age," Bernie said.
 
  "So," Gary grumbled. He didn't want to play with dolls.
 
  "Well, she's coming now, so try and be nice. I have to go wash up."
 
  "Wuss," Gary muttered. He heard leaves crackle behind him. Someone was walking up to him. He started to take off his kneepads, back still turned from the approaching figure.
 
  "Hi," a voice said behind him. "I'm Liz Sanders, and I'm new in town. I just moved in next door."
 
  Gary took off his helmet, and ran a hand through his hair. He put on his best polite smile. "I'm Gary Hob..." he stopped.
 
  She was beautiful. 'Like an angel,' Gary thought. She had curly reddish hair, and big baby blue eyes. She was shorter than Gary, but not by too much. 'This must be what love feels like,' he thought. His mouth was instantly dry, and his palms sweaty. He felt like somebody just punched him in the stomach, and he felt a tad lightheaded. He knew his face was beet red from blushing. His was never this tongue tied around any other girl. He finally found his voice.
 
  "I-I'm um, G-Gary H-H-Hobson," Gary said. He knew he was nervous, he was stuttering again. He scratched the back of his neck.
 
  Liz just stared at him. She had never seen such a cute guy before. He was tall, had short dark, wavy hair, and stunning muddy green eyes that seemed to look into her soul. His face was smudged with dirt and sweat, adding to his adorable features. She had always loved sporty guys. Especially cute ones. She felt sick to her stomach, like somebody punched her. Her palms were sweaty, and her head light. She felt herself blushing. 'My God, I'm in love,' she thought.
 
 -------
 Chapter 2
 
  "N-Nice to meet you, L-L-Liz," Gary stuttered.
 
  "Nice to uh, meet you too," Liz said, smiling.
 
  "So, you are, uh, staying for supper, huh?" Liz nodded. 'Of course she is, Hobson, don't be stupid,' he told himself.
 
  Gary hated being so shy around new people, especially Liz. He wanted to say something that would instantly make her fall in love with him, nothing witty and charming came to mind.
 
  "Kids, time for dinner," Lois called. She shut the screen door. Inside were Liz's dad, and stepmother, along with her two stepbrothers, who were in high school. "Bernie, c'mere," Lois motioned for him to come over.
 
  "What is it?" Bernie asked.
 
  "I think our little Gary has a crush on the new girl, Liz." Lois sounded delighted.
 
  "Oh, no. That's terrible," Bernie replied.
 
  "No, it's not. I think it's sweet. Our baby boy liking girls. Oh, you should have seen how they looked at eachother. I think she likes him back," Lois gushed.
 
  "And it starts," Bernie said, groaning. "I'm hiding my cologne from that kid. I was a kid his age once, I know all about it."
 
  "Oh, stop it. It's his first crush."
 
  "He's going to end up making an ass of himself for a woman. Every guy has, and every guy will. Forever 'til the end of time. It's a vicious circle."
 
  "Oh, come off it. They're coming in. Act like you know nothing."
 
  "That shouldn't be too hard," Bernie muttered.
 
  The kids came up to the door. Gary opened the door for Liz. He may have been really shy, but he had very good manners. Lois nodded in approval. She noticed her son's face was flaming red, and Liz's was very pinkish.
 
  "Alright, kid, wash up and get changed," Bernie said to Gary. Looking at Liz, Bernie smiled. 'The boy has good taste,' he decided. "Hello, Liz, I'm Mr. Hobson, Gary's dad."
 
  "Nice to meet you, sir," she said.
 
  "So, you like gnocchi?" Bernie asked. Liz gave a little nod. "Good girl. You like beer?"
 
  "Bernie," Lois warned.
 
  "Sorry," Bernie said.
 
  Liz giggled. Gary's dad was funny. She watched Gary run up to his room, and she sighed. He was so cute. Her two stepbrothers, Patrick and Michael were already at the table when she sat down. The adults were talking in the living room, and Gary was upstairs, changing. Liz giggled again at the thought.
 
  "Hey, Shrimp," Mike said, as she sat down. Liz didn't like either stepbrother very much, but her step mom was okay. Her real mother had died in a car accident when she was a baby.
 
  Mike was sixteen years old, and thought he knew everything because he could drive. Pat was fourteen, and spent most of his time in front of the mirror, looking at his self-proclaimed, "huge pythons." They loved to pick on Liz for no real reason.
 
  "Shut up, Mike," Liz retorted.
 
  The banter continued as Bernie trudged upstairs to get Gary. Opening Gary's door a crack, he saw Gary sniffing something in a bottle, tentatively.
 
  "Drop the cologne," Bernie said, realizing what Gary was holding.
 
  Gary froze. "Um, what?" Gary asked, hiding the bottle behind his back.
 
  "I'm not stupid, Gar. You've got my cologne. Don't spray it. Too much, and we'll have to air you out. Bernie grimaced. "You really like her, huh?"
 
  "Like who?" Gary asked, in all innocence. He knew his father knew and he sure hoped his mom didn't. She was too sappy. He personally, didn't want anyone to know, especially his parents.
 
  "The queen of England. No, Liz. I saw how you were looking at her. And you were about to marinate in my good cologne," Bernie said, noticing how much Gary was
 blushing.
 
  It was silent for a few moments before Gary spoke. "D-Dad? Wha-Wha-What is uh, um, l-l-love supposed  t-to uh, f-feel l-like?" Gary looked down, his face beet red.
 
  "Uh-oh. Well, Champ, how do you feel around Liz?"
 
  Gary bit his lower lip. "Uh, well when I see her, my mouth gets all dry, and I can't think of one good thing to say. Then I feel kinda dizzy like someone punched me in the gut. Then, my heart starts beating really fast, and I start blushing like mad."
 
  "Okay, I get what you're saying. In a nutshell, that's pretty much what love feels like. At least, that's how I felt when I met your mom." Gary's eyes widened. He hated to even think about that. "Don't worry kid, I won't talk about me and your mom anymore. I can see how uncomfortable it make you."
 
  "Um, why do I feel so funny?" Gary asked.
 
  "'Cause you're growing up. This is the first time you've ever really liked a girl. You're a guy, it's bound to happen. 'The Year of the Cooties,' is finally over," Bernie said sadly.
 
  "Can you do me a favor?" Gary asked suddenly, puppy dog eyes flashing.
 
  "Sure, kid. What do you want? Dating tips?"
 
  "No, why would I want that from you? Can you just not tell Mom about this? She gets mushier than oatmeal with this type stuff."
 
  "Alright, Big Guy, Mom knows nothing." Bernie winked. "Now hurry up." He smiled and began to sing, 'Gary and Liz, sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G,' he sang.
 
  "Dad, stop. What if somebody hears you. You can't tell anyone, okay?" Bernie nodded.
 
  "Glad we could have this talk," Bernie said, running out the door.
 
  Gary turned back to his mirror. He had already combed his hair, and brushed his teeth. He had changed into jeans, and a black turtleneck. Finally he was ready for dinner- and Liz.
 
 ---------

 Chapter 3
 
  Gary took a deep breath, and headed downstairs. Everyone was already seated at the table waiting for him. He took a seat next to Liz, and served himself some mashed potatoes and pineapple stuffing. He hardly listened to the passing conversation. It was of no interest to him anyway. He caught Liz looking at him, and he blushed and flashed her a shy smile.
 
  'She probably thinks I'm an idiot,' he thought, mentally kicking himself.
 
  'He probably thinks I'm ugly,' Liz thought to herself. She threw him a smile, and grabbed a roll out of the basket.
 
  "So Gary, I hear you're a sports star for the teams around here. What sports do you play?" Mr. Sanders asked, politely, trying to involve him in the conversation.
 
  Gary blushed at the words. "Baseball, football, basketball and hockey. I run a little track too."
 
  "Oh, a real sports buff," Liz's stepmom said.
 
  "I guess so," Gary said quietly.
 
  Lois looked around the table. She cringed, knowing how painfully shy Gary could be. She also knew he hated the attention, and she tried to change the subject.
 
  "So, when are you three starting school?" Lois asked.
 
  "Tomorrow. Liz is going to be in Gary's class," Mr. Sanders said.
 
  "We're starting school tomorrow too. We met a bunch of kids who are going to show us around," Pat said.
 
  "Well, that's good. Gary, why don't you help Liz with everything tomorrow?" Bernie suggested, hoping to up Gary's chances with her. The last thing he wanted was a lovesick eight-year-old moping around the house.
 
  "Okay," Gary said, almost silently.
 
  "Gary's the 'Big Man on Campus," Bernie said, a note of teasing dropping into his voice. "The girls go ga-ga over him, he plays all sports, and he's real popular. You should see how many girls try to steal his sports jackets. It's funny."
 
  "D-aaaaad," Gary whined softly, blushing to the tips of his ears.  He hated too much attention, and his father was really embarrassing him.
 
  Mike gave a little laugh. "Yeah, us beautiful people never have it easy," he said with a laugh. He liked Gary, as did Pat.
 
  Gary chewed silently. That was his usual way. At school, he never raised his hand, and only answered a question if called on. It wasn't that he was dumb. In fact, he was very intelligent. He got mostly A's and B's last report card. The problem was, he was too shy to raise his hand, and the fact that he was always daydreaming during class.
 
  Gary pushed his mashed potatoes around on his plate. He was seemingly fascinated with the intricate border painted on the plate.
 
  Dinner ended shortly after, and everyone went into the living room for Lois's famous pecan pie. Gary took a large piece of pie for himself, and sprayed a heaping helping of whipped cream on top. Pecan was his favorite. He didn't really want to talk to anyone else, but eating was okay to him.
 
  "Do you want any?" Gary asked Liz, shyly.
 
  "A small piece," Liz said, holding up a plate. "I'm almost full from your mom's cooking," she added. She searched his eyes for any sign that he liked her. She realized he had a great personality too. He was shy and sweet. He was nice, funny, and so incredibly cute. Gary cut her a small piece.
 
  "My mom's cooking is really good, isn't it?" Gary asked with a smile.
 
  "Yeah. You're lucky. My stepmom, Sarah, can't make toast without ruining it.
 
  "This enough?" Gary asked.
 
  "Perfect," Liz said. "Just like you," she thought outloud.
 
  'She must be joking. She probably thinks I'm a dork,' he thought. "Let's go eat," Gary suggested, handing her a plate.
 
  Liz took the plate. She couldn't believe she had had the nerve to say that. It had just kind of slipped out. She felt herself blushing.
 
  They walked into the living room and sat on the floor next to eachother. They weren't aware that Gary's mom was giving them a mushy look.
 
  "This pie is great, Mrs. Hobson," Liz said. "Pecan's my favorite."
 
  "Thanks Liz. Pecan is Gary's favorite too. Looks like you two have alot in common," Lois replied.
 
  Gary finished his pie quickly, not saying another word. "Excuse me," he said politely.
 
  "Hey, uh, why don't you go show Liz your tree house?" Bernie suggested. He was trying to get Gary and Liz alone together. He had been Gary's age, he knew how hard it was for Gary.
 
  "Um, okay," Gary said. "C'mon Liz," he said.
 
  Liz wiped her mouth with her napkin, and stood up. "Sure, okay. Sounds like fun." She smiled at Gary. She felt her heart beating faster. 'Oh, this is so totally love,' she thought, as Gary led her to his tree house.
 
 ------

 Chapter 4
 
  Gary awoke to his mother calling him to eat  breakfast and get ready for school. He smiled, thinking of the previous day. He and Liz had spent time in his beloved tree house, talking. Well, Liz did most of the talking. Anytime the conversation turned to Gary, he tried his hardest to change it back to Liz.
 
  The doorbell rang, suddenly. His interest getting the best of his laziness, he rolled out of bed, and sat on top of the stairs where nobody could see him. His mom and dad thought he was still sleeping.
 
  It was Liz's dad and Liz herself. Mr. Sanders smiled sheepishly at Lois. "Hi, Mrs. Hobson, sorry to bother you. Liz is sick today, and both me and her stepmother have to work. We were wondering if maybe she could spend the day over here?"
 
  "Sure she can," Lois said, smiling. "Let me just wake up Gary and send him off to school. He just loves to sleep in late. C'mon Liz, why don't you take the couch?" Lois took Liz's hand and led her to the couch. She did appear to be quite sick. A light bulb went off over Gary's head.
 
  Hurrying as quick as he could, he ran into his parents' bedroom. He pressed his forehead against the hot glass on his mother's lamp. He scurried back into his room, and threw himself under his covers, trying to act as sick as possible.
 
  "Gary, wake up," Lois called. She walked up the steps slowly. She pushed open Gary's door. He was awake. His face was flushed, and he groaned. "Honey, are you alright?" Lois asked him, sitting on the edge of his bed.
 
  "Uhnnnnnnnnnn," Gary groaned. He thought his performance was quite good, and he was right.
 
  Lois put her hand to Gary's forehead and frowned. He felt awfully warm. Of course, she didn't know it was because he had put his head against a hot lamp.
 
  "Oh, you poor baby. Bernie, come here," she called to Bernie, who was preparing for work.
 
  Bernie strolled into Gary's room. He had been getting ready for his job at the local firehouse. "What's wrong Lois?" Bernie asked. He glanced down at Gary. "Oh, I see."
 
  "I don't feel so good," Gary said, in his best raspy voice. He was laying it on extra thick. His parents constant, undivided attention mostly got on his nerves, but he knew he could use it to his advantage.
 
  "Oh, honey, I know," Lois said, stroking his hair gently. "Bernie, call the school and tell them he's sick," she instructed.
 
  "Looks like the boy is lovesick to me," Bernie muttered.
 
  "Daaaaaad," Gary moaned.
 
  "I know Champ, I'm leaving. I can tell when I'm not wanted."
 
  "You can say that again," Gary muttered.
 
  "You can stay home with me and Liz today," Lois said.
 
  "Liz?" Gary asked, puppy dog eyes innocent, biting back a grin.
 
  "Yeah, honey, she's sick too. Must be something going around." She hesitated. "Maybe I should call a doctor."
 
  "No, that's okay. I don't want a.... fuss made over me," Gary said, doubling over in fake pain. "Ohhhh, um, I'll just rest awhile," he added.
 
  "Okay, baby. I'll have Dad take you downstairs to the couch. Then, you and Liz can watch some TV." She smiled down at him. "Liz really is a pretty girl, wouldn't you say?" Gary moaned. "Well, fine. Don't talk to me about it."
 
  Bernie came through the door. "All set. School called, Mr. Sanders called, and now I have to leave for work."
 
  "Can you bring him downstairs?" Lois asked. "I want to keep a close eye on him," she added nervously.
 
  "Okay, sure. To the Bat couch, Batman," Bernie said, acting goofy." He scooped Gary up in his arms. "Okay, Big Guy, let's go." He carried him downstairs and laid
 him on the couch next to Liz who gave a small smile. Bernie went back upstairs to say bye to Lois.
 
  "You sick too?" Liz asked Gary.
 
  "Yeah," Gary croaked. "We can hang out, I guess," Gary added, eyes twinkling.
 
  "Cool," Liz said, and she sneezed.
 
  "Bless you," Gary said politely.
 
  "Thank you," Liz said. She looked up at him. His eyes almost blew her away. The green twinkly to them held her gaze. For a moment, she thought he was going to kiss her. 'Oh, don't be dumb,' she thought. 'He probably has a girlfriend.'
 
  The nice moment was broken up by Bernie and Lois coming downstairs. Bernie was all ready for work. 'This day is going to be great, just me and Liz,' Gar thought.
 

 Chapter 5
 
  "See ya kiddo," Bernie said. He ruffled Gary's hair and kissed the top of his head. Feel better, both of you. Bye, Liz. Bye, Gar.
 
  "See ya," Gary said, as if the strain of each word brought an unimaginable pain.
 
  "Take it easy," Bernie said. He waved to the group, and walked out the door.
 
  "Okay, kids. You guys can watch TV while I do some laundry." She smiled. "Sit tight." She left to put another load of laundry in the wash.
 
  "You like cartoons?" Gary asked. Liz nodded. "I like 'The Jetsons."
 
  "Me too," Liz said happily, almost forgetting how terrible she felt. Gary gave her a smile, and flicked on the TV, and they laughed together.
 
  Gary kept glancing nervously at Liz. Was he doing okay? Was she happy enough? 'Well, gee Hobson, she's sick. How happy can she be? And so are you, at least everyone thinks so,' he thought.
 
  "Sick my first day of school. Weird, huh?" Liz commented.
 
  "Guess so," Gary replied shyly.
 
  Liz misinterpreted Gary's shyness for noninterest, but she was determined. "So, what's school like?"
 
  "Stinks," Gary said shortly. "Um, Mrs. W-W-W-Wallace is our t-teacher. She acts l-like I-I'm her p-p-p-pet, but I h-h-h-hate her. James and Monica are the real pets. J-Jared is the b-b-bully. He tried to um, pick a fight with me, and uh, I punched his lights out. I uh, thought my m-mom was going to um, kill me."
 
  Liz smiled. 'His stutter is so adorable,' she thought. "Well, he probably deserved it. You don't seem like the fighting type."
 
  "No, no, not really, but he swung first. I um, ducked and swung back. Nobody has e-ever h-h-heard of self-d-d-defense. Besides, he was um, trying to give, a uh, second grader a swirlie, and I sorta stepped in, so um, in a way, I uh, picked the fight." 'Geez, Hobson, try and sound a little less like a motor boat,' he said to himself.
 
  "Um, any nice kids, girls?" Liz was trying to slyly hint and see if he had a girlfriend. With looks like that, he'd have to. On the other hand, maybe he was too shy to ask any girl.
 
  "Um, Renee's nice, I suppose." Gary shrugged. "You're the nicest girl I've met so far," he said.
 
  Liz blushed furiously. He was probably just being nice. He was just so sweet. "Well, you're a lot sweeter than all the boys in LA. They all showed off a lot, and were never nice to me." Gary blushed.
 
  "Who wouldn't be nice to someone like you?" Gary asked. Liz blushed.
 
  "They were mean, I guess," Liz said.
 
  Lois broke up the scene. "Hi, kids, how are you feeling? Liz?"
 
  "A little better," Liz replied. 'Now that I know I get to spend the entire day with Gary,' she added silently.
 
  "What about you, baby?" Lois asked, stroking Gary's hair. Gary blushed. He hated being his mom and dad's 'baby boy.' He was eight years old after all. He had developed independence since he could talk. His first full sentence had been, 'I'll do it myself.'
 
  "Better," Gary muttered. Liz was too nice to notice the dorky pet names, he guessed.
 
  "I'll make you two soup. Then Gary, you can take a both take a warm bath. Then, if you want Liz, you can take one after Gary." Liz smiled, and nodded.  Lois smiled at the two of them.
 
  "Fine Mom," Gary said, even though he didn't like the prospect of being away from Liz very much. He didn't want his mother getting wise about his feelings for Liz. His mom and dad embarrassed him so much, but her had to put up with it. It was their house.
 
  "Okay." Lois brushed hair off Gary's face, and kissed his forehead. "Feel better, sweetie. I'll be back soon with some soup."
 
  "So anything good on TV now?" Liz asked. She knew Lois had embarrassed Gary, and she didn't want to mention it, and make him feel awkward. After all, she was in love with him. She realized it just then. It was love. True love.
 
  "Um, Leave it to Beaver," Gary replied. 'She's an angel,' Gary thought. She was so sweet not to say anything about Lois and her babying him. It was then he knew that he had fallen in love. Fallen head over heals in love with Liz.
 ----------

 Chapter 6
 
  After Gary and Liz had had their baths, and two steaming hot bowls of soup, they were both very sleepy. They sat, watching TV.
 
  "Wow, I'm tired," Liz said, yawning.
 
  "Me too. I always get sleepy after I take baths," Gary said. Liz had blow dried her hair, but Gary preferred his wet.
 
  "I think I'll try and sleep," Liz said, curling up on one side of the couch.
 
  "Me too," Gary said, stifling a yawn. "I'm bushed." Almost as soon as he said this, they both fell asleep.
 
  Lois came up from the basement with a fresh load of laundry. She went to check on the kids. She smiled at the sight. Both kids were asleep. Liz had her head resting on Gary's shoulder, and Gary had his arm around her.
 
  "How sweet," she said softly. She took a blanket off one of the chairs, and placed it over the two kids.. The scene was so serene and angelic, she just had to smile.
 
  She put the back of her hand to Gary's forehead gently. He was a light sleeper, and she didn't want to wake him. He still felt quite warm, Lois noticed with a frown. She kissed his forehead softly. Gary stirred a little, but remained fast asleep.
 
  "Little angel," Lois whispered. "At least when you're asleep," she added, with a grin. She went in another room.
 
  Gary awoke from a pleasant dream, wondering where he was. Whenever he didn't sleep in his bed, it took him awhile to remember why he wasn't in his room. Glancing down, he saw he had his arm around Liz. He glanced around frantically. If his mother saw him, he'd never hear the end of it. He gently moved Liz to the other side of the couch. She stirred a little, and woke up.
 
  "Where am I?" Liz asked. She looked at Gary. "Oh, we must have fallen asleep." Apparently, she wasn't aware of her previous position. Gary nodded, and blushed furiously.
 
  "What time is it?" Liz asked.
 
  "One-thirty," Gary said softly.  "My uh, my dad'll be h-h-home soon. He al-always c-c-c-c-comes uh, home e-early on Mon-Mondays. Around uh, two."
 
  "Cool," Liz said. Gary started coughing uncontrollably. Lois, hearing him, walked in the room with cough syrup and a spoon.
 
  "Gary, honey, I have some medicine for you," Lois said, pouring some on the spoon.
 
  "I'm fine," Gary said. 'Maybe I caught something from Liz,' he thought. 'I'd rather catch a disease from her than any other girl I know.'
 
  Gary almost spit out the rancid smelling, foul tasting cough syrup. He would have too, had it not been for his dignity, his pride, and the fact that Liz was right there next to him.
 

 Chapter 7
 
  Gary laughed at something Liz had just said. She turned out to be a really funny girl. She cracked jokes that had his side splitting in half.
 
  Suddenly, he heard a familiar car rumble up the driveway. Bernie was home.
 
  "Looks like your father's home," Lois said, peering out the window.
 
  "Seems to be," Gary said, not really caring. He just wanted to look into Liz's gorgeous blue eyes. He had poems in his head that he was going to write down later, and give to her. Nothing got a guy in a poetic mode like his first crush. Gary could talk forever about how beautiful she was, inside and out.
 
  Gary heard the back door slam, and a familiar voice rang in the hallway.
 
  "Lucy, I'm home. Where's Little Ricky?" Gary rolled his eyes. His father did that every day. Gary just thought it was lame.
 
  "Hello, all my adoring fans," he said, walking into the living room. "You miss me?"
 
  "Is that a trick question?" Gary asked.
 
  "Real funny kid. Guess who controls your allowance?" Bernie replied.
 
  "Oh, yes father, I missed you dearly," Gary said, in a sickly sweet voice.
 
  "That's more like it. I bet Liz missed me, huh  Liz?" Bernie asked.
 
  "Maybe, maybe not."
 
  "Your words scar me," Bernie said. "So, Liz how ya feelin.'"
 
  "I should be fine by tomorrow," Liz replied smiling.
 
  "That's good."
 
  "How was work?" Lois asked.
 
  "Garfield got stuck in a tree," Bernie said, in all seriousness.
 
  "Really?" Lois asked, raising her eyebrows.
 
  "Yes, then Jon called us, and Odie licked him out of the tree," Bernie replied. Gary groaned.
 
  "How lame," he muttered.
 
  "So, what's wrong with the boy?" Bernie asked.
 
  "We don't know. His head feels a little warm. It's probably just a twenty-four hour bug," Lois replied.
 
  "You sure it isn't mono? That is the 'kissing disease,' isn't it?" Bernie asked, waggling his eyebrows, and winking at the kids.
 
  Gary blushed a dark crimson, and Liz, a rather pinkish color.
 
  "Oh, Bernie, stop. You're embarrassing them," Lois said, but she couldn't suppress a grin.
 
  "Oh, they'll get over it," Bernie replied.
 
  Gary's discomfort grew with each passing moment. His dad had promised not to tell, and now he was practically telling the whole world. Why did his parents have to embarrass him so much? Gary sighed. Life was unfair.
 
  "What's cookin for dinner?" Bernie asked.
 
  "Dinner isn't for awhile, but I'm thinking pasta. I don't think Gary should eat any. Maybe his stomach could take some ginger ale and saltines," Lois replied.
 
  'Great. All that humiliation, and I don't even get a decent meal.' "Sure, okay," Gary replied.
 
  "Liz has to leave at three. Michael and Patrick are picking her up." Bernie nodded.
 
  "It'll be sad to see you go," Bernie said to Liz. "Gary's so quiet when you're around."
 
  Gary gave his dad the evil eye.
 
  "Right, buddy. I'm going already. Have to change out of my work clothes anyway." He stuck out his tongue at Gary. "Somebody's just a little sourpuss today, huh?" He walked upstairs, laughing.
 
  "Sorry about that kids," Lois apologized. "Sometimes Mr. Hobson just needs to learn to grow up a little bit." Lois struggled to bite back a grin she had been holding in.
 
  Liz and Gary both nodded, not daring to even glance at each other. "Well, why don't I bring you two down a board game to play?" Lois suggested.
 
  Gary nodded.
 
  "How about 'Monopoly?' Lois suggested.
 
  Gary cringed, thinking of Bernie's mono comment, but nodded. "Okay."
 
  "Be back in a minute," Lois replied, and headed towards Gary's room to get the game.
 ---------

 Chapter 8

   "You like Monopoly?" Gary asked Liz, as they were waiting for  Lois.
 
   "Yeah, it's cool," Liz replied.
 
   "Great," Gary said, smiling. Lois brought down the  game. Gary took the race car piece, and Liz chose the puppy dog.
 
   "I love cars," Gary said, looking thoughtfully at the game piece.
 
   "Really? So does Mike. My dad got him a junker car for his birthday, and he's always fixing it up," Liz said.
 
   "When I can drive, I'm getting a motorcycle," Gary stated. "They're real cool. My cousin taught me how to ride one. He let me ride it in an empty lot. My mom would kill me is she found out."
 
   "Cool. Do you like to ride horses?" Liz asked. She loved horses.
 
   Gary nodded. "We have a stable around here. I go there on weekends and ride Thunder. Sometimes I pretend he's my horse, and ride him all day." Gary got a dreamy look in his eyes.
 
   "I love horses, but I don't know how to ride," Liz said, sighing.
 
   "Well, uh, maybe I could um, teach you." Gary offered, shyly.
 
   "I'd love that. So, what do you do around Hickory besides illegally ride motorcycles, and legally horses?" Liz asked.
 
   "Not much. Baseball's the favorite sport around here, but we play most everything else. I like to go swimming in the summer time, and race my bike with the guys. I also work on old cars with this guy, Ted, who works at the auto body shop. He's a highschool dropout, and my mom doesn't like him too much. She thinks that I'm going to follow his example and quit school." Gary rolled his eyes. "I love my mom, but she sure can be a nag."
 
  "Mom's are like that," Liz agreed. "So, what do you want to do when you grow up?" Liz asked.
 
   "No idea," Gary said. "I want to do what I want to do, and that's all. Doesn't matter how much money I make as long as I'm doing what I want to be doing," Gary replied, reflecting on how odd the sentence sounded to his ears.
 
   "I want to be an actress, or maybe a model," Liz replied. "Or a doctor, I like to help people alot."
 
   Gary smiled widely. He liked to help people too. Liz just seemed to perfect for him. He was sure, though, that he wouldn't be a doctor. He hated all doctors, and anything that even resembled blood.
 
   "I like to help people too," Gary said. "I'd rather be a firefighter, though, like my dad." He blushed, and looked at his hands. "I think you'd make a good model. You're um, uh, p-p-p-p-p-pre-pre-t-t-, um, pretty enough to be one." Gary said, blushing a deep scarlet.
 
   Liz blushed. She didn't know what it all meant. Did he like her, or was he being polite? Liz wished she was better at reading people's feelings, but that was never her strong suit.
 
   "As, uh, long as you come down the runway with me," Liz said. "You'd make a good model too. You're um, c-cute enough to be one.
 
   Gary felt his heart beating faster. Right then, he wanted to kiss her, but he doubted she'd want to. She was too perfect, too beautiful for him, at least in Gary's eyes.
 
   "You, um, like cashews?" Gary asked, suddenly.
 
   "Um, yeah. Why?" Liz asked.
 
   "I uh, um, think I have some," Gary replied. He went into the kitchen, and returned with a can of cashews.
 
   "Funny thing about cashews," Gary said, examining a cashew.
 
   "What's that?" Liz asked. 'God, he can even make cashews an interesting topic.'
 
   Before Gary could answer, the doorbell rang.
 
   "I'll get it," Bernie called.
 
   "What's that you were saying about cashews?" Liz asked, as Bernie made his way to the door.
 
   Gary's brows furrowed. "I can't remember. Maybe I'll think of it later," he said, shrugging.
 
   "Maybe you will," Liz agreed.
 
    "Gar, your friends are here," Bernie called.
 ------------

 Chapter 9
 
  It was Gary's three best friends, Matt, Joey, and Tommy, and two neighborhood girls, Renee, and Sarah.
 
  "Come on in," Bernie said. "Join the party."
 
  "Hey, Gar," Tommy said.
 
  "Hi everybody," Gary replied.
 
  "Who's this?" Renee asked, glancing at Liz with a  look of pure jealousy that only Liz could pick up. 'I think she and Sarah like him too,' Liz thought.
 
  "Oh, sorry. Forgot to introduce you to Liz. This is Liz Sanders, and she just moved in next door. We're both sick today. Liz, this is Tommy Solowitz, Joey Ryan, Matt Clark, Renee Callahan, and Sarah Jacobs. Everyone, this is Liz." Gary smiled at everybody.
 
  Everyone smiled at her, but Liz caught the look the two girls were throwing her way. "Nice to meet you all," Liz said. The other guys didn't even come close to Gary, at least in Liz's opinion.
 
  "So are you two.... together?" Tommy asked, grinning widely. He winked at Gary.
 
  "We're just friends, 'kay?" Gary said. Tommy nodded, but was still grinning big.
 
  "I brought you your homework," Renee said, holding up some books.
 
  "Trash cans in the kitchen," Gary replied, sighing. Everyone laughed.
 
  "We have to write what we would invent," Joey said, rolling his eyes.
 
  "I'd invent a nuclear bomb, blow up the school and never have to do the stupid assignment," Gary said.
 
  "Nothing that explodes," Matt replied.
 
  Gary snickered. "Doesn't surprise me," he said. "I'll probably be in school tomorrow, so I guess I have to work on it."
 
  "Me too," Liz said. "Gary's going to be my tour guide."
 
  "That's cool," said Matt. "Oh, Coach Bailey told me to tell you, you made All-State baseball."
 
  "Awesome," Gary said.
 
  "Every year you make it. No suspense there," Joey said.
 
  "Well, we gotta go. Just stopped by to see how you're doing. See ya." After some good-byes, everyone left.
 
  "They seem nice," Liz commented.
 
  "Yeah, they are. Most of the time," he sighed.
 
  "I'll get to know them better tomorrow I guess."
 
  "Yeah, guess so," Gary replied.
-----------

 Chapter 10
 
   After Liz went home, Gary went up to his room to not do his homework. He took out a sheet of paper, and a pen.
 
   "Hmmm, what rhymes with Liz?" Gary wondered aloud.
 
   "How about Liz, you make my heart fizz, won't you give me a sweet kizz, when I see you I want to take a p-"
 
   "Dad," Gary interrupted. He shook his head, and glared at Bernie. "No thanks. Oh, and thanks for letting everybody know I like her. A parrot can keep a secret better than you," he complained.
 
   "That's stupid. Nobody knows," Bernie protested. Gary gave him a look. "Fine, no more jokes. Now what were you doing?" He asked, arms crossed, eyebrows raised.
 
   "Nothing," Gary replied quickly.
 
   "You're writing her a love poem, aren't you?" Gary blushed. Bernie slapped his head. "It's worse than I could ever imagine.
 
   "You're right," Gary said sighing. "I was going to write some, then have Ted look them over."
 
 "Ted? Auto body Ted? Why not me?" Bernie asked.
 
   "You?" Gary snickered. "Yeah, right. I don't trust you one bit. I think your rhyme in the doorway says enough."
 
   Bernie stuck out his tongue at Gary. "So you're trusting a guy with more gel in his hair than Elvis, instead of your own dad?"
 
   "Exactly. Glad you understand," Gary said smiling.
 
   "Well, I don't. I'm older and wiser."
 
    "Older sure is right right, now wiser.... hmmm, I'll think about that one," Gary said, teasing him.   "Oh, you just got yourself in too deep." Bernie grabbed him and began giving him noogies until Gary cried 'uncle.'
 
   "Oh, pick on the sick kid, huh?" Gary asked.
 
   "Yeah, that's right." He hesitated, then put the back of his hand to Gary's forehead. "You are a little warm there, buddy."
 
   "I'm fine," Gary said.
 
   "Says Mr. Stubborn," Bernie said, mockingly.
 
   "I said I'm fine," Gary said.
 
   "Okay, I believe you. I'll bring you some food for dinner, 'kay?" Gary nodded.
 
   "Thanks, Dad," Gary said. His dad left, and he managed to finish off three poems, and some ginger ale and crackers. He was still starving, but he kept writing, ignoring his grumbling stomach.
 
   "Gary, honey, time for bed," Lois said. She pushed open the door, and smiled at her son. "Doing homework?"
 
   "Yeah, something like that," Gary replied.
 
   "Good to see you putting an effort into your work. You have to pull up that 'C' in science." Lois said.
 
   "The teacher hates me."
 
   "Don't be silly. Who could hate such a sweet boy like you?" Lois asked, pinching his cheek, something she knew he hated.
 
   "Whatever," Gary muttered.
 
   Lois felt his forehead. "You don't feel too bad anymore. Think you can manage school?" Gary nodded. "Okay, sweetie. Good. You need your rest. You do look a little pale."
 
   "Okay, Mom." Lois smoothed his hair back, and kissed his forehead. Bernie entered the room.
 
   "Night, Gar," Bernie said. He kissed the top of Gary's head.
 
   "Night Dad. Night Mom. I love you both." Gary said, stifling a yawn.
 
   "Love you too, sweetheart," Lois said, kissing his cheek.
 
   Bernie and Lois both left, smiling at their sweet son.
 ----------
 Chapter 11
 
  Bernie and Lois were getting ready for bed. Bernie came out of the bathroom to see Lois looking at him expectantly.
 
  "Well?" Lois asked.
 
  "Well what?" Bernie asked, confused.
 
  "Did you ask Gary about Liz?" Lois asked, arms crossed.
 
  "Maybe I did, maybe I didn't," Bernie replied.
 
  "What's that supposed to mean? Does he like her?"
 
  "I can't tell you that," Bernie said.
 
  "Oh, and why not?" Lois asked defiantly.
 
  "Because you're a girl," Bernie said in a high-pitched voice. "You have girl cooties, ewwwwwwwwwww," he added, stretching out the last word.
 
  Lois laughed inspite of herself. "What is that, the 'guy code?'" She asked, raising her eyebrows.
 
  "No. The 'guy code' you speak of is to love, honor and respect the beer cans of America," Bernie said, giving a salute to his invisible audience.
 
  "Why did I ever marry a goofball like you?" Lois asked, rolling her eyes.
 
  Bernie struck a pose. "Cause I'm so gosh darned cute, you couldn't resist me?"
 
  "I don't think that was it," Lois replied.
 
  "Don't hate me because I'm beautiful," he said.
 
  "I don't think many people could hate you for that," Lois said smugly. She could tell Bernie was trying to figure out exactly what that meant.
 
  Ten minutes later, he shot up in bed. "Hey!"

 =============
 
  Gary pulled on his t-shirt, nervously glancing out the window to the house next door. Liz was going to be there any minute. They were going to walk to school together. Gary never took the bus. It smelled funny, and the bus driver was a heavy drinker.
 
  "Are you ready for school, honey?" Lois asked. She was still concerned about Gary being sick, but Gary's head had felt normal, and he seemed fine.
 
  "Um, yeah. Just about," Gary said, stuffing his math book into his black backpack.
 
  "Liz will be here any minute. Remember to mind your manners," she warned. "You like her don't you?"
 
  Gary blushed. "We're just friends," he mumbled. Lois nodded, but she knew.
 
  Bernie slid down the bannister, and hopped off. "Howdy, family." He reached into his pocket, and pulled out a ten dollar bill. He handed it to Gary. "Take Liz out for ice cream after school," he said.
 
  "What a good idea," Lois said. "It's a surprise your father had it," she added, smiling sweetly at Bernie. "Remember, it's her first day, so try and make her feel comfortable."
 
  "Yeah... make her feel.... real... comfortable," Bernie said, winking, and smiling devilishly.
 
  Gary blushed. "Here's your lunch," Lois said, handing him a brown paper sack. "Have a good day, sweetie. Love you." Lois kissed his cheek.
 
  "Love you both," Gary said.
 
  "You do look quite pale. Try and take it easy, okay?" Lois asked him.
 
  "Fine, Mom," Gary replied. Glancing out the window, his heart began to beat faster. Liz was walking to his house. In his mind, he heard violins playing.
 
  "...And so, the young cub discovers the female of the species," Bernie said, in a fake Australian accent.
 
  Gary blushed. "Quiet," he muttered. He ran out the door, noticing Liz struggling with a huge pile of books.
 
  "Hey, Liz. Can I carry your books for you?" Gary asked politely.
 
  "Hey, Gary. No, I don't want you to go to any trouble for me," Liz replied.
 
  "No, it's okay. No trouble."
 
  "Okay, then. Thanks. You're sweet." Liz said, as Gary took her books.
 
  "My dad gave me ten dollars. Uh, he says we should go get some ice cream after to school to celebrate your first day of school." He smiled. "Not that it's anything to celebrate. Might just need it for cheering up."
 
  "I'd like that," Liz said. 'Almost like a date!' Liz thought.
 
  They began to walk to school together, each thinking, 'If this is love.....'

 -------------

 Chapter 12
 
   "I'll see you in a minute," Liz said to Gary. "I  have to stop in at the office before class." Liz hoped it wouldn't take too long. She didn't want Renee or Sarah moving in on him.
 
   Gary sure wished that Liz wouldn't take too long. He didn't want any other guys at school falling for her, or she falling for any other guy.
 
   "Good morning, Gary," Mrs. Wallace said, as Gary opened the door to his class room. Not many people were in at the moment, Joey, Renee, and a few other kids were sitting around and talking. "How are you feeling?" Mrs. Wallace asked.
 
   "Morning Mrs. Wallace. I'm feeling fine, thank you," Gary said politely.
 
   "Yo, Gar. How ya doing?" Joey asked.
 
   "Fine," Gary said. "So, what did you do in school without me?"
 
   "Not much. Karen Harris threw up in the water fountain... again," Joey said, giving a slight smile.
 
   Gary shook his head. "She does that once a week."
 
   The bell rang, and the rest of the class filed in. Craning his neck, Gary couldn't see Liz. 'Oh, no. What if she's moved up another grade or something?' He thought.
 
   "Class, we have a new student with us today," Mrs. Wallace said. Gary breathed a sigh of relief, as he saw Liz outside the door. Mrs. Wallace opened the door. Gary's heart stopped. She looked beautiful, but nervous. "Everyone, this is Elizabeth Sanders."
 
   "Liz, my friends call me Liz," she said, quietly.
 
   Mrs. Wallace smiled. "Right, Liz." She scanned the room. "Why don't you take a seat in the back next to Gary?" Liz smiled. She'd like that very much.
 
   "Sure, okay," she replied. She walked down the aisle, hoping she made a good first impression. She never even saw Renee stick her foot out. Liz lurched forward, and fell to the ground.
 
   Liz felt her face heat up. Everyone was laughing at her. She didn't dare look up at Gary, lest he be laughing too.
 
   "Oh, I'm sorry. Did I trip you?" Renee asked in an innocent, sickly sweet voice.
 
   Liz felt hot tears spring to her eyes. She had never been so embarrassed. She fought the tears back. 'Don't cry, kid. That'll just make it worse,' she told herself.
 
   "Need a lift?" A calm voice asked her. Liz looked up. It was Gary, and he wasn't laughing at her. Everyone stopped laughing to watch the two of them. He had his hand held out, smiling slightly. Not a mocking smile, a soothing smile.
 
   Liz took his hand, and he pulled her to her feet. "You okay?" Gary asked.
 
   "Now I am," Liz said softly.
 
   "Are you going to kiss her boo-boo?" Someone shouted. Gary blushed.
 
   "Ah, get a room," a boy, Kevin called.
 
   Mrs. Wallace frowned. "That's enough Kevin. Gary, Liz, back to your seats, Renee apologize."
 
   "It was an accident," Renee said.
 
   "I don't care. She deserves an apology," Mrs. Wallace said.
 
   "Sorry, Liz," Renee said, not looking sorry at all.
 
   "That's okay," Liz said, not looking at all forgiving. At least she was the one who would go out for ice cream with Gary after school, not her. "I'll get you for this, Renee Callahan," she hissed as she walked by Renee's desk. "Thank you," she said to Gary.
 
   "No problem, Liz. My pleasure," Gary said, smiling at her. He pulled out Liz's seat for her.
 
   "Thank you," Liz said.
 
   "Ahem, class," Mrs. Wallace said, trying to get their attention. "Now where was I? Ah, yes. The Hickory Booster Club is sponsoring a dance for this elementary school. It will be this Friday, in the gym. Admission is five dollars. Any questions before we begin math class?"
 
   Ruth, a short girl with blonde pigtails, raised her hand timidly.
 
   "Yes, Ruth," Mrs. Wallace asked.
 
   "Do we have to bring dates?" Ruth asked. All the girls giggled, and most looked towards Gary. Gary and Liz, both without thinking, turned and looked at each other, blushed, and turned away quickly.
 
   Mrs. Wallace heaved a sigh. "No, Ruth. You don't have to bring dates. Now, children, math."
 
   Everybody groaned, Gary the loudest. He hated math more than any other subject. Gary decide right then that there was no way he was going to miss the dance. If he didn't some other guy might steal Liz.
 
   Liz opened her new math book, and thought about the dance. She'd have to go, or Gary would be snatched away by one of the many giggling girls, who were sneaking peeks at Gary every chance they got, though Gary didn't even notice them. Gary really was sweet. Her embarrassment had almost completely worn off.
 
   Liz knew one thing for certain. There was no way on God's green earth, that Renee Callahan would get the last laugh.
 

 Chapter 13
 
   Gary walked in the back door of his house. He had  taken Liz out for ice cream, and had had a wonderful time. He had then walked her home, and *almost* asked her to the dance. 'Maybe tomorrow', he had said to himself. Oh, well. They had had a wonderful time. He started to whistle a happy tune.
 
   Liz had made some good friends too. Gary was happy that they were all girls. Ruth and Jennifer seemed to like her a lot. 'Who couldn't?' Gary thought.
 
   "Hey son. How you doing?" Bernie asked.
 
   "Just great, Pop," Gary said in his 'Leave it to Beaver' voice.
 
   "Where's my change?" Bernie asked. Gary handed him a few crumpled dollar bills. "Thank you. Did you have a good time with Liz?" He asked.
 
   "It was fun," Gary replied, catching a can of pop that Bernie threw to him.
 
   Lois walked in. "Hi, honey. How was school?"
 
   "Fine, Mom," Gary said. He grabbed a few cookies from the cookie jar, and plopped down on the couch.
 
   The phone rang, but Gary felt too lazy to even bother to get up. He let his mom get it. Five minutes later, Lois walked in, smiling at him.
 
   "I just got off the phone with your principal..." Lois started, but Gary cut her off.
 
   "I swear it wasn't me! I was an innocent bystander! I'm innocent. He told you about the flamingo thing right?" Gary asked.
 
   "What flamingo thing?" Lois asked, arms crossed.
 
   "Heh, heh, no flamingo. Heh, heh, nothing," Gary said. 'Whew, that was close.'
 
   "Never trust that boy with government secrets," Bernie called.
 
   "Thanks for the tip, Dad," Gary yelled.
 
   "Mr. Anderson asked me and your father to chaperone the school dance, and we agreed to do it," Lois said, brightly.
 
   "What?! I mean, uh, well, great," Gary finished weakly.
 
   "You don't mind, do you sweetie?" Lois asked.

"O-O-Of course n-not," Gary replied. "Now, uh, if you will um, e-e-excuse me, I uh, have h-h-homework to do," he finished, and he bolted upstairs. Just when everything seemed to be looking up.
 
   Gary knew better than to say 'no' to his mother. It seemed like whenever he tried to, she was suddenly reminded of how long she had been in labor with Gary. He'd have to deal with them, no matter how much they would embarrass him, which they were bound to do.
 
   Gary prayed his parents wouldn't embarrass him, but most of all he prayed he's have the guts to ask her to dance.
 
 ~~~~~~~~~
 
   The week went by quickly, and before Gary knew it, it was Friday night. He checked himself one last time in the mirror before leaving. He wore a black turtleneck, and jeans. He fixed his hair a little bit, and practiced his smile.
 
   "Hey, Prince Charming, your chariot awaits," Bernie said, motioning for Gary to get going. Gary never got the chance to ask Liz to the dance, at least that was what he was telling himself. She was going alone too, so maybe he'd ask her there. The drive
 over was quiet, which was a rare thing with Bernie in the car.
 
   The first thing Gary did when he arrived, was find his friends. His mom was serving punch, but his dad was just hanging around, all the worse for Gary.
 
   Gary started fooling around with the other guys, laughing, talking, and throwing chips at each other. Renee asked him to dance, but he politely declined. No guys would fast dance anyway. They were afraid of looking stupid. Gary was afraid of being the only guy fast dancing.
 
   Gary spotted Liz across the room. She was wearing  black corduroys, and a blue turtleneck. She looked beautiful, at least in Gary's opinion.
 
   Liz noticed his glance, and smiled at him. Gary blushed, and turned away. That went on for about a half an hour. Finally, a slow song came on. Gary didn't have the guts to ask. 'Maybe next time,' Gary thought. Unfortunately, Bernie Hobson had other plans for his son.
 
   Gary felt someone take hold of his shoulders, and lead him around.
 
   "Dad, what are you doing?" Gary hissed, noticing who it was.
 
   Bernie didn't answer, he just sang, in a high-pitched voice. "Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match, find me a find... catch me a catch," Bernie sang joyfully.
 
   Liz has her back turned to them. Bernie took Gary's hand, and tapped her shoulder. "Make magic kid," Bernie said, winking, and he hurried away.
 
   "Hi, Gary" Liz said, turning around, her stomach doing flip-flops.
 
   Gary blushed a dark red. "Hi, uh, um, L-Liz. Uh, I was ummmm... I was uh.... I was uh, I was well, I was won-won-wondering, if um, maybe, uh, you'd like to, uh, um," Gary scratched the back of his neck. "Wanna dance?" He asked.
 
   "I'd love to," Liz replied.
 
   "Really?" Gary asked, his face brightening.
 
   "Sure," Liz said. She felt butterflies in her stomach. She'd never danced with anybody before.
 
   Gary suddenly felt really nervous. He'd never danced with anybody before. Gary took her hand, and led her out to the dance floor, where some of the older couples were dancing. Gary gave a silent prayer to God that his mother wouldn't see him.
 
   Before Gary knew it, he had his arms around her waist, Liz's arms were around his neck, and they were dancing, slowly.
 -------

Continue to Installment 2

Email the author: Mary Hobson
 
 

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